Ronald Koeman made eight changes to his side for the trip to Stadium MK, handing first starts for summer signing Maarten Stekelenburg and Shani Tarashaj.

The changes had little affect on the Blues finding their rhythm, and they were gifted the lead inside two minutes. A weak back pass was completely missed by Dons keeper Martin and Deulofeu bundled the ball home.

Stekelenburg was called into action seconds after Kevin Mirallas shot straight at Martin, but the Dutchman comfortably dealt with Ben Reeves’ effort. Earlier, Daniel Powell had fizzed a drive into the side netting.

But it was the Toffees that struck again on 19 minutes. Joe Walsh couldn’t catch Deulofeu down the right, and when the Spaniard clipped a pass over for Barkley, the England man side-footed a volley past Martin.

Their persistence paid off as sub Giorgio Rasulo’s well-struck shot flew past Stekelenburg, clipped the bar and nestled in the back of the net to reduce the arrears.

The Blues’ response was positive. Good work from Tom Cleverley saw him pick out Tarashaj, who produced a slick finish to beat Martin, but referee Mike Dean had noticed the ball strike his had as the Swiss forward tried to control.

Mirallas, who netted a stunning free-kick in the previous game against Barnsley, was then off target with a first-half effort.

Only two outstanding blocks by first Stekelenburg then Bryan Oviedo denied Dons a leveller minutes later, as Walsh and Darren Potter smashed efforts at goal.

Tarashaj, who had needed treatment right at the end of the first half, was replaced by Aiden McGeady at the interval but it was on the opposite flank that Everton threatened early in the second period. Barkley fizzed over a cross-field pass, Mirallas controlled beautifully, exchanged passes with Deulofeu but arrowed his shot off target.

Koeman rang the changes just past the hour. Eight of his side came off, with only Deulofeu and Stekelenburg remaining on the pitch, with former Dons youngster Brendan Galloway receiving a round of applause from all four corners of the ground.

The game still offered up chances – an unmarked McGeady shot straight at Martin when Baines found him lurking at the back post.

With 10 minutes left, Deulofeu was withdrawn to warm applause from those inside Stadium MK, such had been the quality of his performance, with Conor Grant replacing him, and Aaron Lennon taking his place up front.

With the clock ticking towards the 90th minute, Everton wrapped up victory when Mo Besic’s header hit George Williams and looped over Martin.

Up next for the Blues, a trip to Germany to compete for the Dresden Cup.